#TeamVirunga Progress

It’s been a non-stop couple of months for everybody! Now we’re back from the Oscars and we’re thrilled that Virunga’s very own André, Rodrigue and Mélanie were there to represent the park and the film at the world’s most prestigious awards ceremony (and one of the biggest media opportunities of the year).

We may not have won the top prize but we’re so honored to have been included in such an inspiring documentary line up this year and the profile the awards season gave us has grown #TeamVirunga even more.

You’ve really taken this campaign on as your own and your support for Virunga National Park is having the most incredible impact.

Many of you have written to SOCO’s shareholders asking them to positively engage with the company

You’re sharing the threats facing Virunga which in turn gives the local communities a bigger voice on an international business and political stage

This is really significant progress but the work doesn’t stop now. Virunga is still not safe. Those of you taking action already, please keep up your incredible work and those who have yet to take action, here’s a reminder of how you can help by writing to your shareholders.

How to encourage positive shareholder engagement:

If you’ve noticed that you have investments in a company tied to SOCO (be that directly or indirectly) here’s what to do...

Positively engage with SOCO International in order to safeguard for the future of the park. Your voice within a company is powerful and they should care about your concerns.

AskSOCO International to carry out an adequate independent investigation into the allegations, accounting for their worrying lack of oversight whilst operating in the DRC.

Ask SOCO International to make an absolute commitment to the DRC government and UNESCO never to explore in Virunga National Park, regardless of its World Heritage Status, but also to commit to an exit plan that properly safeguards the block (e.g. responsible measures to ensure the block permit is not simply sold on).

When you sign off, why not ask your shareholder to confirm receipt of your letter and an outline of how they intend to positively engage with SOCO moving forward? Why not use the news of the Church of England’s stance as an example.

Finally, let us know how you get on! It’s really helpful to hear your feedback and we’re happy to see that so many of you are making your voices heard.